HR Certification Options

There are many different types of HR certifications that you may choose to pursue. The two most highly recognized certification types are offered by HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). There are many things to consider when choosing the best certification for you.

HR certification eligibility requirements

First, for which certifications are you currently eligible?

aPHR™

PHR®

SPHR®

SHRM-CP

SHRM-SCP

High School Diploma

1 year of professional-level HR experience + a Masters OR

4 years of professional-level HR experience + a Master’s degree OR

Currently in HR role + a Masters (1 year in HR role for non-HR program) OR

3 years in HR role + a Masters (4 year in HR role for non-HR program) OR

No HR experience required

2 year of professional-level HR experience + a Bachelor’s OR

5 years of professional-level HR experience + Bachelor’s degree OR

1 year in HR role + Bachelor’s degree (2 years in HR role for non-HR program) OR

4 year in HR role + Bachelor’s degree (5 years in HR role for non-HR program) OR

4 years of professional-level HR experience + High School Diploma

7 years of professional-level HR experience + High School Diploma

3 years in HR Role + Less than Bachelor’s Degree (4 years in HR role for non-HR Program)

6 years in HR Role + Less than Bachelor’s Degree (7 years in HR role for non-HR Program)

About HRCI® certifications

aPHR™

The aPHR™ is HRCI's newest designation and is designed for individuals just beginning their HR careers.

PHR®

For those with some experience and/or education in HR, the PHR® is the certification to help you establish your HR career

SPHR®

The SPHR® is designed for more experienced HR professionals who wish to pursue HR management or leadership. The SPHR® exam has a heavy focus on the HR professionals understanding of business and strategy.

Additional HRCI certifications

International versions of the aPHR™, PHR® and SPHR® are available through HRCI®, as well as specialized Global and California certifications.

For more information on the types of available HRCI® certifications, visit HRCI's website.

About SHRM certifications

SHRM currently offers two HR certifications

SHRM-CP

The SHRM-CP is also designed for HR professionals with some HR experience who want to establish their career. It is considered comparable to the PHR®.

SHRM-SCP

Like the SPHR®, the SHRM-SCP is designed for HR professionals with more experience and education in HR who want to pursue HR management or leadership.

For additional information on the SHRM certifications, visit the SHRM website.

Additional HR certifications

There are a handful of specialized certifications through smaller organizations like World at Work.

The HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) does not endorse any particular preparation program or offering. We encourage prospective certification holders to use a variety of resources that reflect their learning styles and needs. Purchasing a certification product is NOT required and HRCI does not guarantee that an individual will pass based on the purchase of a certification preparation product.